Adult Education

At B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation we believe that Jewish learning is a lifetime project. Judaism offers a wealth of rich, deep, sophisticated ideas that are most useful for adults. Adults make decisions about raising children, choosing careers, medical care for themselves and loved ones, where to live and whom to love. Adults need the guidance of a religious system to help them through this maze of serious choices. Adults also experience fully the deep sorrow of loss and the great joy of true love. Jewish tradition can guide adults through these emotional highs and lows.

Adult learning at B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation equips our lifelong learners to face the complexity of their lives armed with Jewish knowledge. Whether taking a Judaism course, current events, or an archeology course, our learners come away from the experience with a greater appreciation of Judaism’s profound depths, and a greater understanding of how to lead an inspired life.

Please join us at any one of our course offerings this year. Membership is not required, and many of the classes have a nominal charge, suggested donation, or are free!

Mondays, April 22 and 29, May 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. (5/6 at 8 p.m.)

With Rabbi Don Cashman

Fee: $25 members; $30 non-members

The goals of religion have changed over the centuries. Ancient people may have hoped to ease their way into the afterlife. Later, religion provided direction for salvation. Now, we are looking for meaning in the here and now (and only possibly but not definitely afterwards).

Reform Judaism constantly evolves as we continue to seek and create a faith in harmony with our times, our beliefs, and our experiences. We will read and discuss a variety of essays of varying viewpoints that discuss Reform Jewish practice, experience, and belief.

Topics include Knowing God, Choosing Covenant, Connecting to the Divine, Living the Texts, Building Community, and Dignity of the Other, which are sections from a new book by Rabbi Dana Evan Kaplan, Ph.D., A Life of Meaning: Embracing Reform Judaism’s Sacred Path.

Book Cost: $20. You must register by 4/10 to have the book ordered for you at this price OR get your own Kindle edition available for $7.99.

Archeology and History of Ancient Israel

Thursday mornings, April 11 through May 30; 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Fee: $36 members; $54 non-members

Taught by Steve Stark-Riemer, noted local lecturer on archeology, history and religion of the Ancient Near East.

This course will summarize the development of biblical archeology and the consider the geographic and historical contexts in which Ancient Israel was situated. It will also review the archeology of the Egyptian descent and Exodus as well as the Wilderness Wandering and the emergence of Early Israel as a People. The course concludes considering the united Monarchy of David and Solomon through the Babylonian conquest and destruction of the First Temple.

At Torah Study, we read translations and various commentaries in English, and discuss the meaning of the weekly Torah portion.

On Extended Study days, we’ve been working our way through the Tanakh with Rabbi Cashman. Currently we’re about to start the book of Chronicles, which provides rich material for discussion. Our Extended Study is powered by coffee, bagels, and an assortment of other delicious breakfast food.

These sessions are open to all on a drop-in, occasional, or regular basis. BYOB – Bring your own Bible, but we’ve got extras. No previous knowledge necessary! Share what you know!

SYNAGOGUE SCHOLAR

Our series of talks by scholars from the congregation and beyond as presented following Friday night worship services.

May 10 – Adah Hetko, currently a fellow at the Yiddish Book Center, will present a talk after the 8 PM service with audio/video clips on “Becoming Yiddish: Contemporary Yiddish Women Singers.”